This Is Illinois' Prettiest Town, Architectural Digest Says

ILLINOIS — Galena is the Prairie State's prettiest town, a highly regarded magazine has decided.

Architectural Digest magazine, in a new feature released this week, has named the popular vacation spot as the prettiest in all of Illinois. The piece, which picks the prettiest town in every U.S. state, was published July 16.

"Most of Illinois is flat, but this favorite weekend getaway for Chicagoans along the Mississippi River is not," the magazine says. "Tucked beneath Galena’s rolling hills are well-preserved 19th-century mansions, 'you-pick' farms, and activities that celebrate the outdoors, such as horseback riding."

Galena was also one of the top picks from Patch readers when it came to family vacation destinations here in Illinois. The town is known for its quaint downtown, old-fashioned shops, restaurants and scenery, and plenty of resorts and hotels in Galena cater to travelers. Historic spots include President Ulysses S. Grant's home (open Wednesday through Sunday). A series of family friendly festivals are also on tap during the summer, including Midwest Garlic Fest (Aug. 11-12), plus road trips, golf and more.

Read the full Architectural Digest piece here.

8 Best Family Vacation Destinations In Illinois

While Galena might be the prettiest town in Illinois, it's not the most beautiful attraction, according to another outlet. Conde Nast Traveler picked Starved Rock State Park as the most beautiful spot in the state earlier this year.

Kara Seymour, Patch National Staff, contributed to this article.

Photo of Galena's Main Street via Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism